for pastime

USAGE SUMMARY

'for pastime' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about an activity you do in your leisure time for enjoyment instead of a purpose or goal. For example, "I like to read books for pastime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

We read one day for pastime, seated nigh, Of Lancilot, how Love enchained him too.

The Guardian - Books

Among the former: "Not entirely impossible to imagine her morning motivational speech in mirror includes the words 'You slay.' " Among the latter: "Still hasn't apologized for pastime of following her favorite folk band around Oregon".

The New Yorker

America's first elected female senator was Hattie Caraway from Arkansas (appointed to fill her husband's seat in 1931 and elected to keep it in 1932), the first congresswoman was Jeannette Rankin of Montana (a pacifist social worker elected in 1916, Rankin was raised on a Missoula ranch and used to tromp "through deep snow potting bears and wolves for pastime").

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Though he claims not to work out, his deep affection for pastimes like kite surfing and yoga make him look as if he does.

The New York Times

For instance, any kind of picnic table is ideal for this pastime.

WikiHow

The Artz family has also made substantial outlays for their pastime.

The New York Times

He tells me proudly that his city is the best on earth for the pastime.

The Guardian - Travel

Relaxation would not be a word I would use for this pastime!

The Guardian

"He gave them up when we moved back and he was desperate for a pastime," she said.

The New York Times

Some neighbors spy for a pastime.

WikiHow

Making videos forYouTube — for three years a pastime for millions of Web surfers — is now a way to make a living.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for pastime" to specifically indicate an activity done purely for enjoyment, without any other practical purpose. This phrase is more formal than alternatives like "as a hobby."

Common error

Avoid using "for pastime" in very informal or casual contexts. It can sound stilted or overly formal in everyday conversation. Consider using "for fun" or "as a hobby" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for pastime" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the reason or purpose behind an action. The Ludwig AI confirms this phrase as usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

34%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for pastime" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe activities done purely for enjoyment or leisure. While recognized by Ludwig AI as correct, it's relatively rare and leans toward a more formal register. It is most frequently found in news and media, and should be used judiciously in informal contexts where alternatives like "as a hobby" or "for fun" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a hobby

Focuses on a regular activity done for pleasure.

for recreation

Emphasizes activities done to refresh or entertain.

for leisure

Highlights activities done during free time.

in one's spare time

Indicates activities done when not working or occupied.

as a diversion

Suggests an activity that distracts from boredom or stress.

for amusement

Highlights activities that provide entertainment or enjoyment.

to pass the time

Focuses on filling time, often when bored.

as a way to relax

Emphasizes the calming and stress-relieving aspect of the activity.

to unwind

Indicates an activity done to reduce tension or stress.

for entertainment

Highlights the activity's purpose to amuse or delight.

FAQs

What does "for pastime" mean?

The phrase "for pastime" means doing something as a hobby or for enjoyment, without any serious or practical purpose. It indicates an activity done during leisure time.

What can I say instead of "for pastime"?

You can use alternatives like "as a hobby", "for recreation", or "for leisure" depending on the specific context.

Is "for pastime" formal or informal?

"For pastime" is generally considered a more formal phrase. In informal situations, alternatives such as "for fun" or "as a hobby" might be more appropriate.

How can I use "for pastime" in a sentence?

You can use "for pastime" to describe why someone engages in a certain activity. For example, "She enjoys gardening for pastime" indicates that gardening is something she does for pleasure.